By South China Morning Post | Created at 2026-07-27 11:42:28 | Updated at 2026-08-06 08:28:38
1 week ago
Alleged scam-network mastermind
Chen Zhi could face the death penalty, with Chinese prosecutors adding intentional injury to the list of charges against him.
Chen, 38, was extradited from Cambodia to China six months ago and formally arrested on July 6, according to Chinese business magazine Caixin.
He founded the Cambodian conglomerate Prince Group, which authorities say was linked to a sprawling online scam network.
Caixin reported on Monday that prosecutors dropped a previous count of concealing criminal proceeds but added copyright infringement and intentional injury charges.
Under Chinese criminal law, intentionally inflicting bodily injury and causing death or severe injury by especially cruel means is punishable by a sentence of no less than 10 years in prison and could lead to execution.
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Chen is also wanted by United States prosecutors for allegedly running one of Asia’s biggest transnational criminal organisations.
